Photographer Ray Hennessy has been shooting the cove for more than eight years.
Local photographer Ray Hennessy may make a living shooting weddings, but his real passion is nature photography.
Hennessy has been spending his free time taking photos at the Palmyra Cove Nature Park for more than eight years. This month, for the first time, he hung his photos at the cove visitor center and will be hosting an open reception that will allow visitors to ask questions and find out the story behind each of Hennessy’s photos.
“I thoroughly enjoy talking to others who share the same passion for nature and wildlife as I do, and I will be all too happy to tell you the story behind the photo,” Hennessy said.
Thirty of Hennessy’s photos will be hanging in the cove all month available for purchase. Prices range from $80-$250 depending on the size of the photograph.
“Over the years, that’s where I’ve naturally gone,” Hennessy said on photographing the cove. He also travels to Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and even Florida to shoot and enjoy nature.
Hennessy’s interest in photography started in high school. He garnered inspiration from his father, who was also passionate about photography. When he graduated 18 years ago, he knew he wanted to make a career of it.
Hennessy founded KGM Expressions — which focuses on wedding photos and portraits — with his wife, Kim. It wasn’t until about 10 years ago that Hennessy started shooting nature.
“The wildlife photography I love because it gets me outdoors — that’s my biggest draw to it,” Hennessy said. “I love the challenge of trying to get close, photograph [the animals] and make a nice looking photo.”
Hennessy says his biggest challenge has been shooting birds — a species very common at the cove, whereas his most unique subject is the cove’s frogs.
The Palmyra Cove Nature Park has been open to the public for decades. Visitors have been able to roam the land and observe wildlife in a natural environment.
In 1999, the nonprofit organization Palmyra Cove Environmental Educational Foundation was established to provide environmental education and to preserve natural habitats. Now, 17 years later, the foundation offers educational programs for students in Pre-K through college. However, the cove still remains open to the public.
Hennessy says the cove is never too busy and the wildlife are so accustomed to being around people that they don’t scare as easily, making them easier to photograph.
“Another great thing is just experiencing the wildlife — getting to see them close, witnessing different behavior,” Hennessy said. “A big draw for me is also the solitude — I do a lot of my photography alone.”
Hennessy’s open reception will take place on Saturday, March 11 from 1 to 3 p.m., but his photos will be on display in the cove visitor center for all of March. The photos are a “gallery of photography showcasing the wide variety of wildlife that can be found at Palmyra Cove Nature Park, a natural jewel found along the Delaware River,” according to Hennessy.
“From the smallest insect to the majestic whitetail deer and countless variety of birds, a wide variety of wildlife can be found at this park,” Hennessy said. “Palmyra Cove is a location that I’ve come to really enjoy and know intimately over the past 10 years that I’ve been taking photos there, and I’m very proud to present some of my favorite photographs in this gallery show.”
